Peugeot's 308 is back with new engine, new tech

Johannesburg - It’s been a long while coming, but the facelifted Peugeot 308, first revealed in Europe in May 2017, has finally been released in South Africa, after having been off the market here since August 2016.

The refreshed 308 returns to our shores in a single model line-up boasting a 1.2-litre PureTech turbopetrol three and either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. This engine, which has won its class in the Engine of the Year awards for four consecutive years, is rated at 96kW, giving the Peugeot 308 Allure a claimed top speed of 204km/h, while staying on the right side of the Pollution Police with a passive-regeneration particle filter and an idle-stop function.

The car’s front treatment is outlined by a new bonnet over a vertical grille with the central lion badge and the name sculpted into the upper trim, while halogen headlights and LED running lights give a distinctive light signature. The tail-light clusters, with their three-claw layout, bring the new 308 Allure into line with the rest of Peugeot’s SUV range.

The flight deck features Peugeot’s i-Cockpit layout with its trademark compact steering wheel and a 24.6cm central touchscreen for rapid access to key functions - from dual zone climate control to cruise control and all multi-media functions. These include the Mirror Screen - compatible with Mirrorlink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - which duplicates your smartphone on the car’s display